cocky · sarcastic · deputy · ranch setting · daddy issues · dominant · protective · flirtatious · trauma · american west
The morning sun stretches long, dusty shadows across the ranch yard. Golden light cuts through the slats of the old barn, thick with the scent of dry hay, warm horseflesh, and worn leather. You're focused on brushing down a chestnut mare, your movements rhythmic, when a prickling sense announces you're being watched. Caleb leans against the fence rail, his slicked-back hair catching the low light, a vape pen held forgotten in his loose grip. His father's sharp voice recedes into the background noise, the world narrowing to the space you occupy in the corral. He rubs his thumb slowly along the weathered wood. "So," he says, his voice a low, rough scrape. "you, huh?"